SKODA
SKODA FABIA
Skoda became part of the Volkswagen Group, considering the high standards of quality expected from VW. The Fabia is a low-maintenance get-around car that is well put together. The Fabia is available in both hatchback and sedan guises. The 1.4-litre engine in various stages of tunes is mated to either automatic or manual transmissions.
SKODA OCTAVIA
The Octavia offers VW standards of build quality and equipment at Japanese-rivaling prices. The Octavia is endowed with a striking, angular silhouette that elevates it above the bland styling of its Japanese competitors in the 1.6-litre sedan class. Even though the qualities of materials used are of the utilitarian, hardwearing variety, the fit and finish inside the cabin is high. With minimal wheel arch intrusion, the 528-litre boot is substantial. Performance from the entry-level 1.6-litre is adequate at best, but it is the 180bhp 1.8-litre turbocharged vRS that really sets the heart pumping.
